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We absolutely love Rome and had an amazing time visiting the city this past summer. During our trip, we noticed a lot of areas were blocked off and under construction, including many of the fountains in Rome. We were told that they are getting ready for the upcoming Rome Jubilee in 2025.
A lot of people aren’t aware of the Rome Jubilee and haven’t considered the impact it could have on your family’s travel plans. So, I wanted to write a quick post about it to help you decide whether it’s a reason to visit or to avoid a trip to Rome in 2025!
The Rome Jubilee In 2025
In this post, I’ll explain why you might rethink planning a trip to Rome in 2025. I’ll also discuss key things for travelers to consider when preparing for a trip to Rome during the Jubilee and provide some helpful travel tips. At the end of the post, I’ll discuss some great alternative European vacation destinations to consider, such as Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Athens.
Here’s a brief outline of the topics I’ll touch on in this post:
- When Is The Rome Jubilee?
- What to Expect: Rome Jubilee 2025
- Should You Postpone Your Trip?
- What’s The Rome Jubilee Year About?
- 8 Tips For Rome Jubilee Travelers
- European Vacation Alternatives
When Is Rome Jubilee?
The official Rome Jubilee 2025 festivities will take place between December 24th, 2024, and December 14th, 2025. On December 24th, 2024, Pope Francis will commence the Jubilee by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. Additionally, even after the official kickoff, Rome Jubilee festivities and events will take place throughout 2025, concluding with the Jubilee of Prisoners on December 14th.
The Rome Jubilee Might Impact Your Trip
The Rome Jubilee 2025 is a major event for the Catholic Church that occurs every 25 years. During the Jubilee year, millions of people from all over the world will make a pilgrimage to Rome to visit Catholic holy sites. While the Jubilee offers a unique cultural experience, the influx of pilgrims and the city’s preparations for this event could significantly impact your trip.
During your trip to Rome in late 2024 and 2025, you will probably experience:
- Bigger crowds
- Limited lodging and dining
- Construction
- City-wide religious events
- Heightened security
What To Expect During The Rome Jubilee Year
Here are some things you may want to consider before planning a trip to Rome in 2025.
Of course, if you’re planning to make the pilgrimage to Rome Jubilee for religious reasons, these features are part of the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime religious experience. But for others, 2025 may be the perfect year to explore other parts of Europe.
Prepare For Larger Crowds In Rome
Rome is already a very busy tourist destination. When we went there in summer, the more popular sites, like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, were packed. Officials estimate that 32 to 35 million MORE people will be drawn to the Eternal City for the Rome Jubilee. This large influx of people will create a lot of energy and excitement but will also strain the city’s infrastructure. Many religious pilgrims will be visiting holy sites and embarking on special journies like the Seven Churches Pilgrimage or seeing the four major papal basilicas.
What does this mean for your Roman holiday?
It’s most likely going to translate to long lines and increased wait times at all the major attractions. Second, you will encounter limited availability of hotel rooms and Airbnb’s across the city. Third, I would expect sold-out tours and difficulty securing restaurant reservations. Similarly, there will also be dense crowds that impact your ability to explore leisurely.
Be sure to book lodging and Rome tours far in advance of your 2025 Rome trip. There are a number of Rome Jubilee-specific tours available on Get Your Guide. You can click here to browse those, and they would likely make the city much easier to navigate.
Some Locations And Pieces Of Art Are Being Renovated
The city has embarked on numerous large-scale improvement projects to prepare for the sheer volume of Rome Jubilee visitors. In 2024, some major artworks, monuments, and locations are under renovation.
These improvements may cause impaired ability to see some famous art and monuments, transportation delays, and noise and disruption as part of daily life. Likewise, these construction sites and detours will impact your sightseeing. Even my photos of the Pantheon are not as pretty as usual because the entire middle of the courtyard was blocked off with plywood as they restored the fountain.
When we went to St. Peter’s Basilica in the summer of 2024, we were super bummed to find out that major renovation work was occurring to St. Peter’s Baldachin (which is in the very middle of the Basilica), and it was hidden from view. You can see it in the photo above. Likewise, La Pieta, Michelangelo’s famous statue, was completely covered up.
However, most of this work should be completed in time for the start of the Rome Jubilee in December 2024.
Expect Heightened Security Measures
With millions of visitors expected, Rome and the Vatican will be enhancing security. These measures will make the already long lines for St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and other religious locations more difficult to navigate. These heightened security measures may cause:
- Deeper security checks at major sites
- Longer wait times to enter attractions
- Potential for restricted access to areas
What Is The Rome Jubilee All About?
What’s so special about the Rome Jubilee 2025?
To be totally honest, I didn’t understand the Jubilee and its significance to the Catholic faith. So, I wanted to go into a little more detail about this event’s importance.
A Time For Pardon And Renewal
The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, represents a period of universal pardon and renewal within the Catholic Church. The tradition, instituted by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300, calls for a Jubilee every 25 years. During this special year, Catholics can receive plenary indulgence (removal of punishment for sins) by fulfilling specific conditions, including walking through a Holy Door.
The Symbolism Of The Holy Doors
A central aspect of the Rome Jubilee year is the ceremonial opening of Holy Doors. These doors, located at the four major basilicas in Rome (St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran (a.k.a Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano), St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major), remain sealed from the inside except during a Jubilee.
Passing through a Holy Door is believed to offer unique spiritual benefits to those making a pilgrimage during this sacred time. The opening of the Holy Door itself symbolizes a path toward salvation available to Catholics during the Rome Jubilee year.
Biblical Roots Of Jubilee
The concept of Jubilee has roots in the Old Testament. This time was set aside for the freeing of enslaved people, forgiveness of debts, and a return of land to its original owners. The Catholic Church adopted and adapted the concept of Jubilee, connecting it to the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal.
8 Helpful Tips for Rome Jubilee 2025 Travelers
If you are still planning to visit Rome in 2025 and are ready to tackle some of the unique challenges you may face, you can still have an amazing time in this iconic city.
Below, I’ll give you some practical tips to help you plan your group’s visit to Rome during the Jubilee:
#1 Book Accommodations And Tours Very Early
Book accommodations, transportation, and tours well in advance.
Rome is expecting millions of visitors during the Jubilee, so it’s crucial to secure accommodations and travel arrangements early. We love using Booking.com because it’s so easy.
#2 Pack Your Patience
The influx of visitors to Rome Jubilee will inevitably lead to larger crowds and longer wait times at popular attractions. Be prepared to wait in line, navigate through larger crowds, and change plans quickly if logistical challenges arise.
#3 Plan Your Itinerary Strategically
Review the Vatican Rome 2025 Jubilee events calendar and try to schedule your visit during less crowded times. Avoiding peak seasons, such as summer and holidays, could also help. This calendar has a list of Jubilee celebrations and events along with dates and important details.
#4 Allow Extra Time For Travel
With ongoing infrastructure projects, anticipate potential transportation delays and build in additional time to reach your destinations. I imagine it will take a lot of work and luck to call an Uber or a Taxi during peak times!
#5 Stay Informed About Security Measures
Check for updates on security protocols at major sites, as these may be enhanced during the Jubilee, and be prepared for more thorough checks. Be sure to read and understand the strict Vatican dress code for visitors to churches and holy sites.
#6 Consider Getting A Pilgrim’s Card
The Vatican offers a digital Pilgrim’s Card, which is needed to participate in the main Jubilee events and organize a pilgrimage to the Holy Door.
#7 Purchasing A Service Card May Save You Money
By purchasing a “service card,” you can get discounts on museum entrance fees and transportation costs. The two main types are the OMNIA Vatican Card and the Roma Pass.
OMNIA Vatican Card
An OMNIA Vatican Card is good for 72 hours. This 2-in-1 City Pass offers the highest level of access and combines the benefits of the Roma Pass. It allows entry to all the top sights in Vatican City plus a 3-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour. It also gives you free entry to 2 out of 5 top attractions, plus discounts at a further 30 top sights.
We definitely recommend investing in the OMNIA Card if you plan to immerse yourself in the Rome Jubilee experience and do and see everything you can while visiting Rome in 2025.
Roma Pass
A Roma Pass is good for 72 hours. It offers skip-the-line admission to one or two museums or sites, reduced ticket prices for other museums and archaeological sites, and free rides on Rome’s public transportation network.
#8 Explore Alternative Attractions In Rome
Consider visiting lesser-known sites and attractions to avoid the most significant crowds. Rome has many beautiful parks and greenspaces if you need a break from the crowds. The further you get away from the city center and the Vatican, the fewer Rome Jubilee crowds you will experience. We recommend a golf cart cruise along the Appian Way!
Amazing European Vacation Alternatives To Rome
I want to offer some other travel ideas as an alternative to planning a trip during the Rome Jubilee year. There are so many amazing places to visit in Europe, and I wanted to highlight some of the places my family has been. These are all great options for your first trip to Europe! I can personally attest that these locations are perfect for families and would be a great place to vacation in Europe in 2025.
I’ve written about many of these cities in other posts and even wrote a post about how to plan a trip to Europe with your family.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a super modern city with a lot to do and see. It combines old-world charm with modern amenities. We loved visiting Amsterdam and seeing its beautiful canals, bike culture, and deep history. I wrote about the incredible Amsterdam landmarks and our experience taking a canal tour in Amsterdam.
And don’t pass up the chance to visit the quirky and fun cat museum called KattenKabbinet!
London, England
London is a huge city with tons to do for families. With so many museums, landmarks, and iconic locations, you could easily spend two weeks here and just scratch the surface. We also loved visiting the smaller, less crowded city of Bath, England!
Paris, France
Paris is one of Europe’s crown jewels. It has some of the most amazing architecture and gorgeous buildings anywhere in the EU. With places like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and Luxembourg Gardens, there is something for all ages. Don’t forget to take a romantic boat cruise down the Seine River!
A lot of people have enjoyed my post about how we structured our 4-Day Paris itinerary.
The Italian Riviera
If you still want to go to Italy, we recommend spending time along the legendary Italian Riviera. The entire coastline is dotted with charming little fishing towns perched along the jagged rocks of the Mediterranean. Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast are probably the most popular areas. We spent 5 days in Cinque Terre last summer, and it is such a magical place!
Camogli, Italy, is a great alternative if you want a quieter, more laid-back experience. It is one of my favorite European coastal communities. These towns have their unique vibe, and each is filled with incredible views, romantic sunsets, lots of history, and amazing Italian cuisine.
Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece, is Matt’s favorite city because of its rich history. Its amazing museums, ruins, and archeological sites are bucket-list places for history buffs. The rest of the family can enjoy amazing Greek food, incredible shopping, gorgeous warm weather, and the abundance of cute cats in Greece!
We loved visiting the Parthenon, the Agora of Ancient Athens, and the Athens National Archaeological Museum. And don’t forget to spend a few days on a gorgeous Greek island like Santorini. We stayed in a magnificent 3-story cave home in Oia (on Santorini) a couple of years ago, and it was surreal.
Should I Plan A Trip To Rome In 2025?
Rome is an amazing city filled with incredible history and culture. I highly recommend seeing it with your family at some point. However, due to the Rome 2025 Jubilee year, I think it may make more sense to visit other European destinations. To summarize, the heavy crowds, tight security, and limited accommodations will make planning a trip to Rome in 2025 challenging.
But if you are up to the task, visiting Rome during the Jubilee might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the “Sacred City” in all its worldly (and other-worldly) glory.
More Family Travel Inspiration
If you plan to visit Rome in 2025, leave me a comment on this post and let me know! Also, if you are looking for more family travel inspiration, check out the entire TRAVEL SECTION of my blog.
Likewise, we have even more fun adventures coming up, including several new European countries, so make sure to follow @ourlittlelifestyleblog on Instagram.
PIN: Visiting Rome During The Rome Jubilee In 2025
